What are these filthy plastic things?

just protection, i think.

 

Bisco is probably right. A more fitting description would be "Child Proofing". Run-a-way seat belt buckles, back pack dragging across the door edge, opening doors into curbs are among some of the scenarios I can envision. In any event they are probably the to protect the paint from these kinds of mishaps.

 

The one on the door in particular seems kinda pointless: doesn't cover the edge.

We had bodywork in that zone, and they dutifully replaced those after painting: they have part numbers and all.

Are the edges lifting, dirts getting under? In that case I'd just pull them off and apply some polish.

If the dirts just at the edge, it's probably from too many automatic car wash, not enough hand washing, with attention to detail? If the latter I'd just run around the edge with a toothpick or similar.

 

These threads always cause me to jump up, and run out to check my car. My 2016 only has the long one. Door frame edge protection, as mentioned by bisco. Mine aren't dirty yet, but maybe a soft toothbrush would work to clean it?

(As my Prius BAKES... I got blasted by heat when I opened the door! No garage. No shade. I can put my morning coffee in there, and it will stay hot all day! )

 

Try to park aimed away from the sun (or is it directly overhead in your neck of the woods...), a few years parking in sun will frost the "resin" (plastic) headlights.

 

Peel them off and polish up the spot where they are. You will never miss them.

 

The dirt is only accumulating on the edges. You can clean that off and they will be like new. They aren't easy to get off, and do serve a purpose. Mostly chip protection.

 

Try David's suggestion first, see how it goes. If the dirt has got in behind, go with Yippeekyaa's suggestion.

 

always tough in a white car. I have similar issues with my white honda cr-v. i won't go white again for exterior.

 

Car aerodynamics blasts dust particles in those areas. Without that transparent plastic, the metal would get bombarded and rust more quickly

I have a friend with a Ford and for unknown reasons he is missing that protection. Now he has quite some rust there!

 

that makes sense.

 

I think white and grey hide the dirt the best! I have a black car and suv, and a white prius. The prius seems to stay cleaner looking the longest and it gets driven the most. Maybe the aerodynamics help the dirt to "flow" away?
On another note, you can seriously tell the difference in how hot they get. There is no comparison, the black ones get hotter much faster.

 

Like front car bras, these protection appliques don't make any sense to me including the one on the rear bumper. They certainly do their job but they are. 1. When new, you can see them and they disrupt the smooth lines of the car. 2. After time, they look like yours and traps even more dirt. If you live in a place where rust is a problem, then I guess they're needed? Where I live rock chips and dents are less noticeable than a dirty sticker.

P.S. My wife bought rubber floor mats to protect the carpeted floor mats that protect the carpet underneath. This makes no sense to me, either.

 

Probably make as much sense as aerodynamic vent shades.

 

I knew you would see this post!

 

At least you are consistent .

 

Try bug and tar remover around the edges.